Solar Observing Techniques

By: C. R. Kitchin, Christopher Kitchin

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Paperback | 5 July 2001

At a Glance

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244 Pages

Dimensions(cm)
23.5 x 15.88 x 1.27

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The purpose of this book is to introduce the reader to the numerous safe methods of observing the Sun and solar eclipses, and to suggest objects and features to observe and observing programmes to follow. So much energy comes from the Sun that by failing to observe safe working practices it is possible to damage your eyes or equipment. The care that is needed is emphasised throughout the book. Always make sure that you have read the whole of a section or chapter before starting any observational work. However in warning when care is needed in observing, there is a danger of scaring people off observing the Sun altogether. Let me emphasise therefore that observing the Sun can be done in complete safely, providing that the precautions discussed in the book are followed. The Sun then provides one of the most interesting objects in the sky for an astronomer to study at all times, and during a total solar eclipse becomes uniquely fascinat- ing to both astronomers and the general public alike. So take heed of the warnings given here but do not let them stop you trying out the safe observing methods. I wish you clear sunny skies and many hours of fun. Chris Kitchin Hertford, 2001 Acknowledgements I would like to thank Dr Ralph Chou for his help in supplying details of filters and of sources of further information on them.

Industry Reviews

From the reviews:

"This book is part of a series aimed at the newcomer to astronomy. In many respects the author fulfills this aim very well ... . The book is well illustrated with drawings and photographs - over 30 of which are in colour. ... If ... you are keen on becoming a solar observer, make a space on your bookshelf for this book. Or if, like me, you are established in solar observing, keep it as a reference for when you take up CCD imaging ... ." (Brian Halls, Astronomy Now, April, 2002)

"This book forms part of Patrick Moore's Practical Astronomy Series ... . it discusses the safety precautions that need to be taken in such a way as to be informative and not to scare someone from making solar observations. ... The book also gives sufficient information for someone, for example, to attempt taking photographs or CCD images of the Sun. ... I think this book will encourage amateur astronomers to take up solar observing ... ." (Peter Meadows, The Astronomer, Vol. 38 (450), 2001)

"This book deserves to be in every observational astronomer's possession. In just over 200 pages, excellent and clear descriptions, advice on solar observing methods - most of them within the reach of amateur astronomers - are given. ... The many illustrations and diagrams are all relevant and well chosen, as are the (not too many!) equations. ... This book is wonderful value and should encourage all amateur astronomers to observe our nearest star. A nice, warm welcome to this book." (Richard Bailey, Popular Astronomy, October, 2001)

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You Can Find This Book In

Non-Fiction Science Astronomy, Space & Time Solar System including The Sun & Planets Nature & The Natural World Popular Astronomy & Space Cosmology & The Universe Earth Sciences, Geography, Environment, Planning Earth Sciences Geology & The Lithosphere Physics Applied Physics

Astrophysics

The Alert Symbol	p. xv
Warning	p. xvii
The Sun--What to See and Why	p. 1
Beginnings	p. 1
Sunspots	p. 1
Sunspot Cycle	p. 6
Limb Darkening, Granulation and Faculae	p. 9
Limb Darkening	p. 10
Granulation	p. 12
Faculae	p. 15
Narrow Band Observations	p. 16
Chromospheric Network	p. 17
Prominences and Filaments	p. 18
Flares	p. 20
Eclipses	p. 22
General Telescopic Observing Techniques	p. 25
Full Aperture Filters	p. 26
Filter Basics	p. 26
Telescope Basics	p. 28
Full Aperture Solar Filters	p. 30
Projection	p. 36
Telescopes	p. 37
Binoculars	p. 43
Other Approaches	p. 44
Reflection	p. 44
Solar Diagonals	p. 46
Sextants	p. 47
Optimising Your Telescope	p. 49
Diffraction	p. 53
Aberration	p. 54
Optics	p. 57
Seeing	p. 60
Stray Light	p. 61
White Light Observing	p. 63
Sunspots	p. 63
Limb Darkening	p. 65
Granulation	p. 65
Faculae	p. 66
Recording Your Observations	p. 67
Drawing	p. 67
Photography	p. 69
Projected Images	p. 70
Full Aperture Filters	p. 71
Magnified Imaging	p. 79
Conventional Cameras	p. 85
CCD Cameras	p. 86
Image Processing	p. 88
Introduction	p. 88
Data Reduction	p. 92
Image Enhancement	p. 96
Video Cameras	p. 107
Observing Programmes	p. 109
The Sunspot Cycle	p. 109
Active Regions	p. 110
Solar Rotation	p. 112
Unaided Observations	p. 119
Projected Images	p. 119
Filters	p. 122
Full Aperture Filters	p. 122
Welder's Goggles	p. 127
Eclipses	p. 131
Eclipses	p. 131
Eclipse Expeditions	p. 140
Naked Eye Observing	p. 143
Binoculars and Telescopes	p. 148
Introduction	p. 149
Visual Observations	p. 149
Imaging	p. 151
Photographic and Digital Cameras	p. 151
Astronomical CCD Cameras	p. 159
Video Cameras	p. 159
Shadow Band Imaging	p. 160
Observing Programme	p. 160
Specialist Instrumentation	p. 162
Radial Density Filters	p. 162
Slitless Spectroscopes	p. 164
Transits	p. 164
Specialist Instruments	p. 167
Narrow Band Filters	p. 167
Ha Filters	p. 167
Lyot Monochromators	p. 172
Spectroscopy	p. 172
Introduction	p. 172
A Spectroscope	p. 175
Prominence Spectroscope	p. 178
Spectrohelioscope	p. 180
Coronagraph	p. 182
Solar Telescopes	p. 183
Radio Telescopes	p. 185
The Limits of Solar Observation	p. 191
Magnetic Fields	p. 191
Spacecraft	p. 192
Solar Oscillations	p. 193
Solar Image Gallery	p. 195
Whole Sun--White Light	p. 195
Solar Details--White Light	p. 196
Whole Sun--Narrow Band	p. 198
Solar Details--Narrow Band	p. 199
Prominences	p. 200
Eclipses	p. 201
Coronae	p. 201
Radio, X-ray and Specialised Imaging	p. 202
Instruments	p. 202
Bibliography	p. 203
Magazines and Journals	p. 203
Popular	p. 203
Research	p. 203
Books	p. 204
Abbreviated References	p. 204
The Sun and Solar Eclipses	p. 204
Practical Astronomy Books	p. 204
Introductory Books	p. 205
Catalogues, Atlases and Reference Books	p. 205
Equipment Suppliers	p. 207
Solar Filters	p. 207
Telescopes and Accessories	p. 208
Web Sites Relating to the Sun	p. 211
Index	p. 215
Table of Contents provided by Syndetics. All Rights Reserved.

Solar Observing Techniques

At a Glance

Paperback

Industry Reviews

Shipping

How to return your order

Defective items

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